Despite featuring newcomers from prominent film families, Azaad has failed to garner even a modest opening at the box office. The film stars Rasha Thadani, daughter of Bollywood icon Raveena Tandon, and Aaman Devgan, nephew of superstar Ajay Devgan. With such illustrious connections, one expected the film to generate a substantial buzz. Yet, its lacklustre performance at the box office reflects a deeper challenge facing the industry today. The movie collected approx. Rs. 4.05 cr. over the weekend and crashed to 60 lakhs on the first today.The era of content-driven cinema has disrupted Bollywood’s traditional reliance on star power and familial connections. While lineage once guaranteed curiosity and footfalls, today’s discerning audiences prioritize compelling narratives and innovative storytelling. For Azaad, a film that primarily banked on introducing star kids, the absence of these essential elements appears to have been a fatal flaw. In a time when even projects with big stars occasionally struggle to attract audiences, the challenge for debutants becomes even more pronounced. Audiences today demand more than just lineage. The content-driven era of Bollywood has shifted focus from star power to storytelling and innovation.Azaad’s underwhelming box office performance serves as a reminder of the shifting dynamics in Bollywood. Today’s audience seeks authenticity, innovation, and value for money. As the industry evolves, it must adapt to these changes to successfully introduce the next generation of talent. Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan may have missed the mark with Azaad, but with the right projects and strategies, they still have the potential to carve their niche in Bollywood.
